Pest identification
What's eating my false aralia?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale stippling on leaves; fine webbing on undersides and between fronds; leaves yellow and drop
Control: Raise humidity; blast foliage with water to dislodge mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew; sooty mould may follow
Control: Dab visible mealybugs with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; spray whole plant with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan bumps on stems and leaf midribs; leaves turn yellow and drop; sticky residue on leaves
Control: Scrape off scales manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; repeat every 10–14 days
Keep false aralia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
False Aralia pests — FAQ
What is eating my false aralia?
False aralia is most commonly attacked by spider mites, which thrive in dry indoor air and cause stippled, pale foliage. Mealybugs and scale also target this plant, hiding in leaf axils and along stems. Inspect regularly, maintain humidity, and treat infestations early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
How do I get rid of spider mites on false aralia?
Tiny pale stippling on leaves; fine webbing on undersides and between fronds; leaves yellow and drop Raise humidity; blast foliage with water to dislodge mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on false aralia?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew; sooty mould may follow Dab visible mealybugs with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; spray whole plant with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of scale insects on false aralia?
Brown or tan bumps on stems and leaf midribs; leaves turn yellow and drop; sticky residue on leaves Scrape off scales manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; repeat every 10–14 days